Woman

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As in every era and in every civilization, so in the Byzantine and post-Byzantine period (4th-19th c.) the role of the woman is multifaceted. An insight into her life, her public and private presence is provided to us by the objects of this virtual tour. Some of them she uses some she manufactures while some others simply illustrate her.

According to the Christian philosophy, it is because of a woman that the humankind was expelled from Paradise, since Eve which was created from Adam's rib, committed the original sin. Nevertheless, it is thanks to a woman that humanity will regain the eternal redemption, as the Virgin Mary gave birth to Christ-Saviour of the world. Some women became ascetis, like Mary of Egypt, while others were declared saints thanks to their faith in Christ.

Icon. Scenes from Genesis. It is attributed to Konstantinos Kontarinis. Early 18th c. In the upper zone the creation of Eve, while in the lower the depiction of the Original Sin

Virgin Episkepsis. Mosaic icon with the Virgin and Child. Late 13th c. From Triglia, Bithynia, Asia Minor. This particular type of the Virgin, in which the two faces are touching, cheek to cheek, is known as the Glykophilousa. This type presents the Virgin in her capacity as mother, while at the same time emphasizing her role as protector of mankind.

In every day life, the primary destination of woman is to create a family. Normally, she spends most of the day at home, where she is involved with parenting and daily chores, such as cooking or spinning and weaving.

Silver wedding crowns. From Tarsos, Cilicia, 1900. The crowns of this type were kept in the treasuries of the Churches and were used in every marriage.

Middle Byzantine period. Chafing dish. Glazed fireproof clay vessel in the shape of an inverted cone, with two handles. Used for preparing and serving sauces. At the top of the vessel is an open plate, the contents of which were kept warm by placing charcoal beneath it through the triangular hole in the side.

In every day life, the primary destination of woman is to create a family. Normally, she spends most of the day at home, where she is involved with parenting and daily chores, such as cooking or spinning and weaving.

Ladle (trulla): silver vessel possibly for use in the bath. Part of the Treasure that was found in Krategos, Mytilene. 7th c.

As in all places and all times, so in the Byzantine & post-Byzantine era there is social layering. The women belong to different social classes, according to their origin, their wealth or their education.

Icon with St George the Dragonslayer. It is attributed to the Cretan painter Georgios Klontzas. Second half of the 16th c. The princess, in the lower right side of the icon, is an example of woman who belongs to the upper class of the era; the maids, behind her, are obviously, of humbler origin.

The women that belong to the lower social classes have to work in order to earn their living. The professions in which they can serve are not many but it seems that they have developed professional conscience and organization. For example the weavers in the middle Byzantine period (7th-11th centuries) are organized into guilds.
In the post-Byzantine era (15th-19th century) the women acquire the consciousness of the artist, as we can see from a series of excellent embroidery, signed by famous and proud of their work embroideresses from Constantinople.

Gold-embroided Epitaphios (liturgical veil). According to the embroidered inscription, the piece was donated by Timothea and executed by Mariora. 1751.

In addition to the housewives, the craftswomen, the workers or the noble ladies, there were Byzantine women that ascended to the upper society classes and were crowned empresses, as Theodora, which became not only an empress but also a saint (9th c.).

St Theodora, the wife of the Iconoclast Emperor Theophilos, seated in a golden throne, holds a scepter and an icon of the Virgin in the left hand. Painted by the Cretan painter Emmanouel Tzanes. 1671.